Disclosure
Disclosure at the workplace is an issue that causes many people with epilepsy a great deal of anxiety.
Before disclosing any information, it is essential for an employee to have extensive knowledge of their particular type of seizure disorder, the characteristics of seizures, how frequently they occur, what (if any) first aid procedures may be required, and the length of recovery time following a seizure. This information will help the employer better understand epilepsy and make the accommodations if required.
Times of Disclosure
During an Interview
Advantages- Honesty and peace of mind
- Opportunity to respond briefly and positively in person to specific epilepsy issues
Disadvantages- It is up to you to handle epilepsy issues in a clear and positive way.
- Too much emphasis on epilepsy might be a problem. You might not be evaluated on your abilities.
Things to be considered- How comfortable are you with discussing your epilepsy?
- Are you too preoccupied with epilepsy?
After the Interview
Advantages- Honesty/peace of mind
- If your disclosure changes the hiring decision and you are sure your seizures will not interfere with your ability to perform the job, there might be legal recourse.
Disadvantages- Employer might feel you should have told him before the hiring decision was made, and he might hold that against you.
Things to be considered- A seizure condition must be evaluated honestly in light of the specific task being applied for.
After You Start Work
Advantages- You are given the chance to prove yourself on the job before disclosure.
- Allows you to respond to the questions of fellow co-workers about epilepsy.
- The law may protect you if disclosure affects your employment status and your condition doesn't affect your ability to perform your job.
Disadvantages- Fear of having a seizure on the job
- Could change your interaction with peers
- Possible accusation from employer of falsifying your application
Things to be considered- The longer you wait to disclose, the more difficult it becomes.
- It might be difficult to decide who to tell.
- Possibility of having a seizure before co-workers know how to react
After a Seizure on the Job
Advantages- You are given a chance to prove yourself on the job before disclosure.
- The law may protect you if disclosure affects your employment status and your condition doesn't affect your ability to perform your job.
Disadvantages- Possible accusation from employer of falsifying your application
- Possibility that co-worker will not know how to react to your seizure
- Can generate myths and misunderstandings about epilepsy
Things to be considered- It may be difficult to re-establish trust with co-workers if they feel you have been untruthful with them.
No Disclosure
Advantages- Employer cannot react with your epilepsy unless you have a seizure
Disadvantages- If discovered, you run the risk of being fired.
- You might feel nervous about having a seizure on the job.
- Can generate epilepsy myths and misunderstandings
- You might be hurt by inappropriate first aid while having a seizure.
- Studies show that people who don't disclose have a higher chance of having a seizure on the job.
Things to be considered- If you have not had a seizure in a long time, the issue of disclosure may not be so critical.
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